College Cost Planning in Sioux Falls, SD 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Sioux Falls as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,703
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$29,690
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$929
per month
Local Cost Market
10
benchmark points
Sioux Falls Overview
Population
192,517
Student Population
14,671 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
108 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
57/100
Transit Score
42/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Sioux Falls
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,012
Total After Financial Aid
$87,012
Annual Cost
$21,753
Annual After Aid
$21,753
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,012 |
| Monthly Payment | $988 |
| Total Interest | $31,548 |
| Total Loan Cost | $118,560 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Sioux Falls
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
10
Public tuition
$11,703
Private tuition
$29,690
Community college
$5,250
Cost of Living in Sioux Falls vs. National Average
| Category | Sioux Falls | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,703 | $10,940 | +$763 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $929 | $1,050 | -$121 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 100 | +8 |
Sioux Falls's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Sioux Falls
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
14,671 students
Sioux Falls has a total population of 192,517, with approximately 14,671 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Sioux Falls offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Sioux Falls
$42,927
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Sioux Falls earn a median starting salary of $42,927, which is $7,927 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 11 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $7,473 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in South Dakota
Rapid City
7 colleges · Avg tuition $12,090
Aberdeen
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,456
Brookings
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,308
Vermillion
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,482
Watertown
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Mitchell
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Yankton
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Pierre
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Huron
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Brandon (SD)
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Spearfish
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Box Elder
1 colleges · Avg tuition $9,700
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Sioux Falls
How we compile Sioux Falls college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Sioux Falls institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Sioux Falls's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Sioux Falls, SD?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Sioux Falls is $11,703. Private university tuition averages $29,690, and community college tuition averages $5,250. When room and board ($10,050/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $21,753.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Sioux Falls, SD?
Sioux Falls uses approximately 10 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 14,671, which represents 7.6% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Sioux Falls?
The average rent near college campuses in Sioux Falls is approximately $929 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 108 (national average is 100), a walk score of 57, and a public transit score of 42. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Sioux Falls?
College graduates in Sioux Falls earn a median starting salary of $42,927. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%. With an average financial aid package of $7,473 per student and a 67% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Sioux Falls, SD?
With a median starting salary of $42,927 and an average 4-year public university cost of $87,012 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 11 years. The 67% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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